Coast Guard, Navy searching for distressed fishing vessel

Rescue crews from the Coast Guard and U.S. Navy are searching for a Taiwanese fishing vessel last known to be about 80 miles off the coast of Guam.

Lt. Russel Richard, Coast Guard spokesman, said the vessel was headed for Guam in search of medical assistance.

The Coast Guard has been watching the vessel for the last two days after receiving word that the captain needed medical help. Last night, the Coast Guard and Navy lost contact with the vessel and attempts to reconnect have been unsuccessful, the release stated.

The condition of the master and the vessel are unknown at this time. There are nine total crew members onboard.

A helicopter crew from the USN Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25, has launched to locate the vessel and assess the situation.

Coast Guard Cutter Washington and the good Samaritan vessel Ardmore Centurion, a 540-foot Marshallese tanker are also underway to assist, and are currently experiencing 18-foot seas and winds in excess of 20-knots.

Weather conditions are around the Marianas have been rough and meteorologists from the National Weather Service have released several warnings including gale force winds, high surf and hazardous seas.